Vernon

No. 1 Body found at farm

It was one of the largest police investigations the region has ever seen.

Dozens of police and two mobile command units descended on a ramshackle farm on Salmon River Road last October, where they would spend almost a month scouring the 24-acre property.

Police quickly focussed in on one section of the farm, erecting temporary fencing and large white tents.

Special forensic teams were brought in and there was speculation the search was in relation to five missing women who were last seen between Vernon and Sicamous.

The farm sits near Silver Creek, a normally quiet farming community.

Three days into the search, police announced human remains had been found on the property.

“During the course of executing a search warrant at a property in the 2200 block of Salmon River Road, human remains have been located,” Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said at the time.

“This matter is being treated as suspicious at this time.”

The news sent a shock wave through the region.

That shock turned to sorrow and anger when it was confirmed the remains belonged to one of the missing women, Traci Genereaux, 18, of Vernon.

Vickie Urich was devastated to hear the news of granddaughter.

"I don't want to believe, but have to believe, this has happened to her," Urich said. "It is a nightmare."

Urich described her granddaughter as the kind of kid who would light up a room.

Her death prompted area citizens to canvass the street community for information, flyers of all missing women were posted throughout the area with people being urged to contact police with any information they may have.

And after almost four weeks at the farm, police abruptly left.

"The RCMP Southeast District Major Crimes Unit completed its search of the Salmon River Road property, with all police personnel and equipment vacating the property," said Moskaluk.

Throughout the investigation one name was on everyones lips: Curtis Sagmoen.

While no connection has been made between Sagmoen and the death of Genereaux, the farm did belong to his parents and Sagmoen was thrust into the public eye when police charged him with allegedly threatening a sex trade worker in August, weeks before police arrived at the property.

Charges against Sagmoen include disguising face with intent to commit offence, intentionally discharging a firearm while reckless, uttering threats, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, pointing a firearm and careless use of a firearm.

Protests were held on the steps of the Vernon courthouse whenever Sagmoen was scheduled to appear.